Overview HIGHLIGHTS Global Land Tool Network Background and Mandate UN-HABITAT's Land and Tenure Section, formerly known as the Land Management Programme, was established in May 1999, under the Shelter Branch. It is the agency's focal point for land management and tenure systems, policies and legislation that help achieve adequate shelter, security of tenure and equal access to economic resources for all, with a specific focus on gender equality. The main focus areas and mandate are: Implementation of land, housing and property rights, particularly women's secure tenure Affordable land management systems and pro-poor flexible tenure types Mandate derived from: Habitat Agenda Paragraph 25: Adequate shelter for all Paragraph 26: Ensure full realisation of human rights link to appropriate page Paragraph 27: Equal access to economic resources Paragraph 40(b) + 61(b): Legal security of tenure and equal access to land to all people Paragraph 40(m): Strengthening of land management Paragraph 69(a): Co-ordinating and integrating shelter and human settlements with, inter alia, land policies UN Commission on Human Rights Resolutions 2000/13, 2001/34, 2002/49 and 2003/22 on Women's equal ownership of, access to and control over land and the equal rights to own property and to adequate housing Millenium Declaration Paragraph 6 (equal rights), Paragraph 19 (by 2020, to have achieved a significant improvement in the lives of at least 100 million slum dwellers, Paragraph 20 (gender equality) Objective The main objective of the Land and Tenure Section is to further build and widely share concrete knowledge on those land management systems, policies, laws and practices that help achieve adequate shelter and security of tenure for all, particularly for women. Activities Research, develop tools and identify best practices on (a) the implementation of equal rights to land, housing and property rights, particularly for women, including inheritance and marital property rights and (b) elements of urban upgrading related to regularization, land use, a range of pro-poor flexible tenure types and affordable land management options. Disseminate tools, best policies and practices and incorporate them in the Global Campaign for Secure Tenure, and the UN Housing Rights Programme. The tools are also made available to national and local governments, professional organizations, civil society and slum dwellers for their advocacy work and for implementation of relevant laws and policies. Provide technical advice and substantive support on land issues to other sections and programmes within UN-HABITAT and to governments, with particular regard to secure tenure in post-conflict societies.